Archive for February, 2010

On the eve of my internet recruiting training, it is fitting I reveal my interview with the master.   Jim Stroud, a formidable force of power and strength in the world of candidate sourcing, is every bit as charming on the phone as he is in print.  Stroud is a published author, website mogul, and sought after international speaker and trainer.  Yet, on the phone he is approachable and self-effacing, which is an irresistible combination.  Now, can you see why he’s THE thought leader in his industry?  Read on, and I will tell you a little story about Jim.

He’s a giver, not a taker, this is evidenced by the many educational articles about sourcing, and internet intelligence that he posts freely on twitter, and other social media venues.  What first captured my attention is that he lists his telephone number on his twitter profile, which just screams “call me.”  Ya gotta love that, but when you dig deeper by visiting his website http://thesearchologist.com  It quickly becomes apparent that the man has the goods.  That’s right people, he’s the Boss when it comes to industry knowledge brokering.  He charges for it, and why not?  When recruiters subscribes to his site, they are privy to information that they would not find anywhere else.  He provides value, and who doesn’t love a bargain? 

In fact, after our teleconference last week, I was ready to purchase his entire video series, “How To Recruit Using YouTube and Google.”  However, I am taking the AIRS training tomorrow 2/5, and that blows my education budget for February.  With that said, I have every intention of subscribing to his site to gain access to all his resources (which is like golden equity if you are in our industry).  It is there Stroud reveals the tricks of the sourcing trade, offering free reign to his articles, e-books, videos and tutorials.  Why am I so sold on Jim Stroud?  It’s simple.

He enjoys training others to be as good, if not better than he is.  He’s not a cheesy salesman, or a smarmy recruiter.  He’s the real deal and I like him.  How did Jim get his start?

Stroud attended Georgia Sate College, ironically, he majored in Video and Film, with a minor in creative writing.  After college, he met his sweet heart, and she chided, “You’ll have to get a real job now.”  After college he went to work for a Law Firm where he did research.  He realized he was quite good at it, and a friend of his in the his in IT introduced him to “the internet, and the world of bikini clad women.”  Hooked, he quickly saw other uses for technology.

He was recruited by MCI in its hey-day back in 1997.  They tasked him with the responsibility of surfing the web to find resumes, and candidates online.  Like a blood hound, sniffing the scent of its prey, Jim fell in love with the hunt to find the quintessential candidate.  He knew that he was for sourcing, and that sourcing was for him.  He helped create MCI’s intranet, then when the WorldCom bust ensued he found greener pastures.   In addition to working for search firms, Stroud was recruited by Siemens, Google, and Microsoft to be their internet intelligence leader. 

After a period of time, he got the itch to scratch out on his own, and Gangbusters, he launched a sourcing, training and resource center that has taken the industry by the tail, and gave it a great big shake.  He’s been speaking, writing and teaching ever since.  Next week Jim Stroud and other recruiting and HR Professionals will gather for the TruLondon unconference on February 17, 2010.  The track leader list reads like a who’s who of industry greatness.

Yes, I won free tickets to attend, but alas, I will not be able to attend because my clients need me here right now. 

I am attending SourceCon and I will have a chance to shake Jim’s hand.  I look forward to that day.

Stay tuned, because on Compassionate HR February 15, Bill Boorman will be a guest on our show to discuss the TruCharties that will benefit from TruLondon. 

Until that time, know that I am always your Twitter Pal,

@HRMargo Rose

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Compassionate HR, the blogtalkradio program that tells the stories of the unsung heroes in our industry, has exciting programs in the works.  Here’s what you can look forward to February and March:

2/8 The Linkedin Queen herself, Eve Mayer Osburn  will share her pledge to raise money for Haiti via http://redcross.org  For every person who gives a donation (up to $500.00)  Will match each dollar donated with free services from her company Social Media Delivered.  She’s a social media marketing genius, and anyone who doesn’t take advantage of this offer is missing the manna from heaven, baby.

2/15 Bill Boorman will discuss TruCharities that will benefit from the unconference Trulondon http://thetruconferences.com/tru-london/   Bill will reveal the #SecretPlans behind #TruLondon, and how it all began.  We will learn about what type of volunteer work Bill does, and which projects inspire him the most.  Radio host, recruiting consultant, and blogger, Boorman is sure to whet your appetite to get involved.

3/1   Eric Winegardner and Matt Charney  from http://monster.com Will discuss the philanthropic and steward leadership activities of Monster world wide.  In addition to learning more about how Monster’s employees give back to their communities, we will discuss Monster’s #SecretPlans to make their exemplary services even better.

3/8 David Manaster and Jeremy Langhans  will discuss the philanthropic work of The http://erefoundation.org This year’s poker game at the ERE Expo March 15th, will benefit the children displaced by the recent earthquake in Haiti.  Not only will we be getting you stoked about the Spring conference and expo, we will inspire you with stories of how the foundation has touched the lives of thousands of children.

There are those who say the term HR Rock Star is over used.  I say it isn’t used enough, particularly when it comes to extolling the virtues of the angels in our midst.  Compassionate Recruiters, Sourcers, HR Generalists and Specialists walk among us every day, but how often do their stories go untold? 

Compassionate HR’s mission is to tell their stories, toot their horns and, more importantly acknowledge the organizations and charities they support.  Men, women and children around the word are beneficiaries of their time and generosity. Sharing their stories is what makes me tick, it’s what makes me glad, and it’s what makes me grateful to be a blogtalkradio host.

Your Twitter Pal,

@HRMargo  Margo Rose http://blogtalkradio.com/comphr

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